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Steaks, burgers and the Great American tradition in Picacho Hills

Cassie McClure, For Pulse
Published 10:32 a.m. MT Jan. 19, 2017

The Ribeye Steak Sandwich ($15.99) from Great American Steak Burger, in Las Cruces, comes with a side of steak fries, pineapple coleslaw and Great American beans (subbed here for a baked potato).(Photo: Cassie McClure)

Filling the void up on the west side of Las Cruces is the new Great American Steak Burger — and offshoot of Great American Land & Cattle Co. — at 1338 Picacho Hills Drive (formerly housing Ump 88).

The location is gorgeous. The overall decor is now more steakhouse-themed — think cowboys and horseshoes — but the different incarnations of bars and restaurants have left their own touches, a darkly wooded and eye-catching bar, ornate copper ceiling tiles; plus, it’s set off with the backdrop through the large back windows overlooking the Organ Mountains.

Unfortunately, my husband and I, with kids, decided to hit up Great American after the sun had set, and dangerously close to bedtime. We were able to get a table in a sectioned-off single table, and it gave the kids a little wiggle room.

My husband’s logic, “When in Rome, why not actually go for these steak burgers,” who ordered the jalapeño steak burger, served with steak fries, pineapple coleslaw and Great American beans ($11.99).

I decided to order the Ribeye Steak Sandwich, which I was promised I could “only find this one at Great American.”

Challenge accepted.

The sandwich came with steak fries, pineapple coleslaw and Great American beans ($15.99), but I replaced mine with a baked potato for the kiddos.

I ordered my ribeye medium, but when it arrived, the kiddos decided they were done for the night. The waiter was able to help us box up and scramble for the car to save fellow diners from witnessing a meltdown. One home, the meal awaited us with a promise of and evening of Netflix.

My sandwich was very tender and the meat just fell apart. The bun had grill marks and was slightly toasted, but a little too fluffy. My husband was a little sad that the jalapenos weren’t hotter (and that really sometimes just depends on the batch), but the mildness was something I was OK with. Verdict? Good darn burger with fresh toppings of pickle, lettuce, tomato and onion.

Two signature sides at Great American Steak Burger are pineapple coleslaw and the Great American beans.(Photo: Cassie McClure)

The coleslaw had visible chunks of pineapple, but maneuvering around those since I am anti-pineapple, I enjoyed the slightly tart coleslaw. So, why do the beans at Great American have a title? Because there was a subtle little kick to them, enough for the kids — the bean connoisseurs of the family — to give me a skeptical eye, but something that us parents enjoyed.

The location is a bit pricey if you can see the jump from steak burger to ribeye steak sandwich, so it may be more suitable for a night out or a special event at dinnertime. For example, the T-bone is $31.99 and the New York Strip is $27.99 (which includes the beans, coleslaw and choice of fries, baked potato or steamed veggies, and a dinner roll.)

Barbecue platters like the brisket are $21.99 and pulled pork is $20.99 for 12 ounces. They also have seafood, with a cold-water lobster tail being $45.99 and a haddock, chicken and shrimp combo for $20.99.

When we went, the location was still waiting for its alcohol license, but the server said that they were looking to have wine and beer available in the next two to three weeks.

Cassie McClure is a freelance writer and may be reached at cassiemcclure@gmail.com.